A Parents’ Survival Guide For High School Sports

High School Football, Soccer, Cheerleading, you name it and it’ll be in full swing around the country. Homecoming football games at the high schools are exciting. The varsity shirts will be worn by players on game days. Cougars proudly grace the streets as our students show off their school colors. Posters dominate many store windows listing the schedules for fall high school athletic games. Football will be in full swing sooner than you think whether you have a child playing sports or not. Teams enjoy Friday night lights. So MOM's, Dad's and the rest of the family get ready to survive another season of high school sports.

High school athletic careers are what our children make of them. It is what we help them live through. Some come out on top and others have to learn to live through challenges and adversity. Hopefully, they all end up in the same place … in line to receive their high school diplomas. First and foremost, we want our children safe, healthy and happy on and off the field. Our understanding and involvement in the sports they play is vital to their success and our survival. Every year, more than seven million students participate in high school sports. We (mom, dad, aunts, uncles and grandparents) take on many new roles as we involuntarily become personal trainers, nutritionists, chauffeurs, and cheerleaders. For many of us, it’s like having a second job. So, what can we do to make this wonderful world of high school sports fun for us too?

Make it a Family Affair

What a great feeling it is for the player to look in the stands and see family and friends present to cheer them on. It is not always easy to be there, so when you can, change that hair appointment so you can get to the game – and don’t forget the blankets, hats and seat cushions.

Get to know the Coach

Who is coaching your child? This person has a great amount of influence over our children. Get to know them. Learn what they expect from your child and what you should expect from them. Show them respect so that your child will also show them respect. It is so much easier to coach from the bench, just remember that when you do this, you can become disruptive to the game, the team and your child.

Plan your budget

There is always a cost. Understanding your financial obligation is critical. Do you need to purchase shoes, equipment, practice cloths? Will you have to pay to go to the game? What about the expenses of traveling to watch your child play at the rival school? Make a list of these costs and work them into your budget.

Injuries

Sports cannot be played with injuries. One of the most severe injuries is the concussion. Many concussions go undiagnosed on the high school level because the student-athlete does not know the symptoms of a concussion and therefore does not report the injury. Concussions can happen in almost any sport, not just football and soccer. Many people think that a person has to pass out in order to have a concussion, but that’s far from the truth. Here is a list of some of the signs and symptoms that you should be aware of if a concussion is suspected:• “Seeing stars” and feeling dazed or dizzy• Nausea or vomiting• Headaches• Slurred speech or saying things that don’t make sense• Blurred vision and sensitivity to light• Difficulty with coordination or balance

Survival Kit

Keep your survival kit in the trunk of your car. I cleaned out my trunk every June and refill it in September, just before the start of football season. Here is a list of some of the items you may want to consider keeping in your survival kit: seat cushions, blankets, sweatshirts or jacket, hat, umbrella, boots, folding chair and first-aid kit.See you at the game!